Archives

Press may be overfocused on Wagoner's remark (http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/01/chevy-volt-deve.html)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/548/Resize_of_Volt_Front_View.jpgBill Visnic - AutoObserver – Jan 8, 2008

Thank You atlaw4u!

LAS VEGAS – Is General Motors Corp.’s timeline for development of a production version its Chevrolet Volt hybrid-electric concept car a little too aggressive?

Break out your corporate-speak decoder ring for an answer.

GM Chief Executive officer Rick Wagoner set off an explosion of speculation last week when he said in an online chat session – kicking off GM’s 100th anniversary celebration – that he “can’t guarantee at this time” the 2010 production launch of the Volt. The 2010 target long has been a cornerstone talking point for Volt chief proponent and GM Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz.

Don't read too much into Wagoner's comment, the engineer in charge of the Volt told AutoObserver.

Here at the Consumer Electronics Show for a firsthand look at how the personal electronics and automotive worlds are converging, Jon Lauckner, vice president, global program management and the ranking engineer overseeing development of a production version of the Volt’s E-Flex powertrain architecture, says not to read too much into last week’s comment by Wagoner, which some translated as a reality check on the aggressive development timeline for the Volt -– and perhaps on Lutz’s always optimistic accounts of the Volt’s progress… http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/01/chevy-volt-deve.html

Good news! I remain cautiously optimistic. :)

I still wonder what the deal is with the battery talk? As far as I've been able to determine the batteries are ready NOW.

The batteries may not be ready now in the volumes that GM requires. Ramping up to that level of commercial production isn't something that can be done overnight.

Hi WriConsult:

___A123Systems needs only 6 months for 50K PHEV powered vehicles … Remember they are already producing millions of cel’s for DeWalt’s 36V cordless line already. They only have to get a final PHEV pack configuration spec from GM once the destructive and age testing is complete and it’s a done deal.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I want to be supportive, and I drive GM's, but...I'm still cynical. And its not all GM's fault. In the back of my mind there is this nagging notion that if gas drops 50 cents a gallon for just 3 months, enough to alter buying behavior- the Volt dies.

Hi Keith:

___What is the probability of gasoline hitting $0.50 vs. $6.00 + per? I would think the latter is within 5 years and the Volt will be “rushed” into production if that$6.00 per arrives any sooner. The former, some awfully interesting things would have to happen for that to occur :rolleyes:

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Wayne-
Drops 50 cents, not "to" 50 cents :) People are fickle, even those that trade in oil. Anxiety eases, demand eases, timeline eases. GM responds to the market, not creates a market. Others will argue with me, and I hope I'm wrong. I'd rather have pleasant surprises by GM's commitment and ingenuity.

Keith

Wayne, that's great news. I didn't realize A123 was already prepared to ramp up to that level.

So the timeline....
The GM Volt launch date people...geez.

A couple days ago CEO Wagoner said the couldn't stand behind the initial 2010 launch plan.

Then one of the Volt engineers said the press shouldn't read so much into the above comments and that they'd still try to get the Volt out by 2010.

Yesterday Lutz came back and said that the 2010 date is FIRM (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080108/BUSINESS01/801080402/1014).

Kind of like a definite maybe.

So the timeline....
Kind of like a definite maybe.

I love oxymorons... sort of like...

why do you park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?... or
why do you pay tolls on a freeway?

Hi Efusco:

___The 2010/2011 Volt makes for interesting discussion about a 3 month window 3 years out from today ;) Along with its 16 kWh Li-Ion pack made by either LG Chem or A123Systems, it will include a 1.0L ICE, have a 40 mile AER at max performance, achieve 0 – 60 in less than 9 seconds and be built on a compact uni-body.

___Now Honda and Toyota.

___Toyota is going to release the 09 Prius-III in September? It will consist of a 1.3, 1.5, 1.8L ICE? Include a NiMH pack of xx kWh size capable of xx mpg, xx AER and may be a PHEV? … And that one is only 9 months out!

___Honda will release the new global hybrid in 2008? It will consist of an xL ICE? Will be an assist only? Will be capable of xx mpg? Will be an A/B/C class-sized sub?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

GM has brought this media scrunity upon themselves unless they compile a green track record.